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DIY Renovations

New Zealand

Did you know?

We New Zealanders love our DIY. We tackle our own renovations more than people in other parts of the world, spending over $1 billion a year at DIY stores - and that number rises each year. Journalist Joanne Black once wrote that, “if England is a nation of shopkeepers, New Zealand is a nation of home renovators.” In a survey on what it means to be a New Zealander, the Kiwi “can-do/DIY” attitude was among our most valued cultural traits.

The value of renovating

There’s no arguing that whether you’re planning to sell your house, or just longing to improve a room or two for your own enjoyment, doing your own renovations can be a rewarding way to add value to your property and flex your creative muscles.

5 ways to add value to your property

Insulate

The value this adds to your home cannot be overstated. Today, this is considered an absolute necessity by many homebuyers, in fact not having insulation can easily create the perception of an unhealthy home. With the EECA Energywise programme subsidising the cost of insulation, there really is no reason not to.

5 ways to add value to your property

Add a Deck

If you have the room adding a deck is one of the simplest ways to increase the value of your property. A deck is one of the best ways to create the much-desired ‘indoor-outdoor flow’. They’re also great for entertaining, something potential homebuyers will want to visualise when inspecting properties.

5 ways to add value to your property

Refit the Kitchen

A tidy, modern looking kitchen can seriously improve the value of a home; when it comes to updating there are two options: replace or recover. The state of your current kitchen, budget and end goal will determine which is the right option for you. Whether your looking to replace or recover, your key targets are benches, cabinets, drawer fronts, skirting; handles, whether door, drawer or cabinet are noticed more than most people realise and new or cleaned handles can make a big difference at little cost.

5 ways to add value to your property

Update your Bathroom

As with the kitchen, the aim here is a modern appearance. A bathroom that looks old will instantly date the entire property in the minds of prospective buyers. Updating your bathroom needn’t be expensive or difficult; simply replacing the fixtures like cabinet fronts and faucets, as well as the lighting, can quickly modernise the entire room. Replacing stained grout will undoubtedly modernise the room. For those with the know how, a DIY refit of the bathroom can be very cost effective.

5 ways to add value to your property

Create curb appeal

The greatest house in the world is still going to be hard to sell if you can’t get people in the door. As they saying goes first impressions last; creating curb appeal, or a desirable entryway is one of the best ways to add value or help sell your home. A prospective buyers first memory of the house is often the one that sticks and a little can go a long way in this area of the property. The first thing to do is make sure any garden or lawn areas are looking great; make sure they’re tidy, adding plants to the front of the home can really liven it up.

Insulate

Add a Deck

Refit your Kitchen

Update your Bathroom

Create curb appeal

Be careful when renovating

When launching into a new project, many enthusiastic DIYers overlook safety. According to the ACC, tens of thousands of New Zealanders are injured each year doing jobs around the house. Approximately 77 Kiwis per week are hurt falling from steps or ladders, and 480 from using tools.

Protecting myself from pollution

3 Things you need to know when renovating

$10K

If you injure yourself or someone who lives with you working with electrical wiring, you could be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000.

Bath

An incorrect plumbing connection could allow a back-flow of polluted water into your drinking water.

Cover

Recommended Products

In the event a DIY or other injury prevents you from being able to work, REAL Mortgage, Income and Rent Cover provides you with a monthly benefit that adjusts with you, as your circumstances change. REAL Mortgage, Income and Rent Cover helps you protect your income or your home if, due to becoming disabled and unable to work, you are unable to make mortgage or rental payments. Depending on the option you choose, it can pay your regular mortgage, your rent payments, or up to 45% of your income, allowing you to focus on what’s most important: your recovery.